Doctor Who's Russell T Davies teases Ruby's backstory
The Doctor Who showrunner has revealed some details about new companion Ruby Sunday.
It's only a matter of days before the third and final Doctor Who 60th anniversary special and the much-anticipated regeneration of David Tennant's Time Lord into the Fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa.
Gatwa will helm the new season, but before then we have the exciting Christmas special to look forward to, which has been teased as a "complete reinvention".
Yet while fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the episode, which is entitled The Church on Ruby Road, the new instalment will obviously also introduce fans to the new companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) - and explore parts of her own backstory.
Speaking to SFX magazine, showrunner Russell T Davies said of the new Christmas special: "It’s completely freestanding, and indeed when the series starts you can watch that from scratch, and yet faithful viewers…
"It’s unashamedly the story of Ruby, it’s called The Church on Ruby Road because that’s where the church is where Ruby is left as a baby in 2004."
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Davies continued: "So, she’s named after that church. She’s a foundling, so no one knows who her mother or father is. She was named after the church on Ruby Road, which does carry over into the series itself.
"Not every question is answered in the Christmas special, and that continues all the way through to the most magnificent finale ever shot on planet Earth. No hype! I swear that’s true."
Read more:
- Doctor Who's Christmas special will be "complete reinvention"
- Doctor Who's The Star Beast becomes highest rated episode in 5 years
While exact plot details remain under wraps for now, we do now have a confirmed time slot for the festive episode, as well as the cast list - which includes presenter Davina McCall.
McCall will play herself in the episode, with the rest of the Christmas special's cast including It's a Sin's Michelle Greenidge as Ruby’s mum Carla, EastEnders' Angela Wynter as Ruby’s grandmother Cherry and Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood.
Doctor Who's third 60th anniversary special The Giggle airs at 6:30pm on Saturday 9th December on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Previous episodes are available on BBC iPlayer and on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here.
Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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Authors
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.
